NEW INFORMATION: Wisconsin Senate passes heroin bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Wisconsin Senate has passed a bill targeting heroin use in Wisconsin.

The bill approved Tuesday has already passed the Assembly with bipartisan support and now heads to Gov. Scott Walker.

It would require state health officials to create regional opiate treatment centers in underserved areas.

A vote on a second bill was delayed until next month. That bill would require the state Department of Corrections to set up a formal system of quick sanctions short of prison for substance abusers who violate their parole or probation.

The bills are sponsored by Republican Rep. John Nygren, whose daughter has struggled with heroin use.

Four other Nygren-sponsored bills addressing heroin use have already passed the Legislature and are awaiting Walker's signature.--------------------------------------MADISON, Wis. (AP) --Two more measures targeting heroin use in Wisconsin are set to pass the Legislature.

The bills up Tuesday in the Senate have already passed the Assembly with bipartisan support.

One would require the state Department of Corrections to set up a formal system of quick sanctions short of prison for substance abusers who violate their parole or probation. Supporters say that will help heroin abusers get the treatment they need.

The other would require state health officials to create regional opiate treatment centers in underserved areas.

The bills are sponsored by Republican Rep. John Nygren, whose daughter has struggled with heroin use.

Four other Nygren-sponsored bills addressing heroin use have already passed the Legislature and are awaiting Gov. Scott Walker's signature.

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